Table 3 Individual research skill statement items for all participants and workplace subgroups (p)

1. Finding relevant literature

7 (6–8)

6 (5–8)

7 (6–9)

0.003

2. Critically reviewing the literature

6 (4–8)

5 (4–7)

7 (5–8)

0.001

3. Using a computer referencing system (eg Endnote)

5 (2–8)

3 (1–6)

6 (2–8)

0.001

4. Writing a research protocol

3 (1–6)

1 (1–4)

4 (2–7)

<0.001

5. Securing research funding

1 (1–4)

1 (1–2)

2 (1–5)

0.001

6. Submitting an ethics application

2 (1–5)

1 (1–2)

2 (1–7)

<0.001

7. Designing questionnaires

4 (1–7)

2 (1–5)

5 (2–7)

<0.001

8. Collecting data e.g. surveys, interviews

5 (2–7)

3 (1–5)

6 (2–8)

<0.001

9. Using computer data management systems

3 (1–6)

2 (1–4)

4 (2–7)

0.004

10. Analysing qualitative research data

3 (1–5)

1 (1–3)

3 (1–6)

<0.001

11. Analysing quantitative research data

3 (1–6)

2 (1–4)

4 (2–7)

0.001

12. Writing a research report

3 (1–7)

2 (1–5)

5 (2–7)

<0.001

13. Writing for publication in peer-reviewed journals

2 (1–6)

1 (1–4)

3 (1–7)

<0.001

14. Providing advice to less experienced researchers

2 (1–6)

1 (1–2)

3 (1–6)

<0.001